The Dutch Coalition Talks: Why Everyone Sends a Letter to the Informateur – And What Actually Matters

In the Netherlands, the formation of a new government is a carefully choreographed yet notoriously unpredictable process. After parliamentary elections, appointed informateurs explore which parties can realistically form a governing coalition. What is less visible to international observers—but highly relevant—is the wave of political communication that surrounds this stage. One phenomenon stands out: the mass sending of letters to the informateur.

A Flood of Political Messaging

During the previous coalition talks, the informateurs received more than 800 letters from companies, trade associations, NGOs, political parties and individual citizens. Each sender hopes their message will be read, considered during negotiations, and perhaps reflected in the emerging coalition agreement.

The reality is more nuanced. Yes, the letters are read. But they are almost never answered, and only rarely do they meaningfully influence the direction of the talks. The negotiators are focused on the dynamics and compromises required to bring parties together, which leaves limited space for external input.

Yet organizations keep writing — and for good reason. The letter to the informateur has evolved into a strategic communication tool with multiple audiences. It signals to political actors that an industry or group has clear priorities. It shows stakeholders and members that their interests are being defended. It provides journalists with concise, quotable demands. And it puts issues on the radar of newly elected MPs, who are eager to deepen their policy knowledge.

Beyond Letters: Advertising, Media Campaigns and Nieuwspoort

Because the volume of letters has grown so large, many organizations now look for more visible or impactful alternatives. In recent formations, several trade associations and companies have purchased full-page newspaper ads, published op-eds, or launched targeted social media campaigns designed to shape public debate while negotiations were underway.

Another notable trend is the use of the International Press Centre Nieuwspoort, located next to the Dutch Parliament. This venue has become a hotspot for press conferences, stakeholder roundtables and policy briefings organised specifically to coincide with the coalition talks. Nieuwspoort offers an effective way to create visibility, attract media attention and interact directly with MPs and political advisors who circulate around the parliamentary complex.

A Crucial Moment: Informing a New Parliament

This phase of the formation process coincides with the installation of the new House of Representatives. For many MPs—especially newcomers—this is a period of rapid learning. They schedule introductory meetings with industry representatives, plan work visits and seek to understand the challenges and innovations within their future policy domains.

For organisations with a stake in Dutch public policy, this creates a unique window. The competition for attention is fierce, but so is the opportunity to build long-term relationships with the political actors who will shape legislation and oversight in the coming years.

Practical Tips for Organisations Seeking Influence

1. Be concise and concrete.Whether in a letter, meeting or public campaign, articulate no more than three priority issues. Provide clear evidence, avoid jargon and link your message to the broader public interest.

2. Tailor your outreach to new MPs.Newly seated MPs are eager to engage. Offer them practical insights, site visits, or briefings that help them quickly grasp the issues in their portfolio.

3. Combine channels strategically.A letter to the informateur can be useful, but amplify it with media engagement, online communication or a public event to reach broader audiences.

4. Invest in long-term relationships.Formation moments are important, but sustained engagement throughout the parliamentary term has far greater impact. Follow-up conversations matter more than one-time messages.

5. Be timely—act now.The early weeks of a new Parliament and the formation process are when political attention is most malleable. Messages delivered now have a higher chance of resonating.